Polling that shapes your strategy by connecting the dots between events and what motivates people.
More than just number crunchers, we use data to tell a story.
To understand how to persuade people, you must first discover what drives them and how to leverage the situational context to spur them to action.
We are a team of pollsters, journalists, data scientists and storytellers who connect the dots between data, events and the underlying emotions and motivations that drive opinion in order to shape your narrative so that you can clearly and effectively communicate with your audience. By combining our expertise in data analytics with our experience in politics, running on-the-ground electoral campaigns, and in media, reporting on and analyzing major events from the front lines, we are able to turn that story into a blueprint for action for your cause.
Whether you are a political campaign fighting to win an election, or an advocacy organization working to change policies or activate a movement, we work closely with you to develop a custom data solution, with the goal of uncovering what really animates public opinion, and then finding creative openings to ensure that you are communicating the right message to the right audience to achieve your goals.
Our Solutions
Polling & Strategy
Our multi-modal approach to polling uses digital as well as traditional methods to reach all segments of the population. Taking advantage of our on-the-ground experience, we derive critical insights from the data to inform your campaign’s strategy, and work with you to develop a plan of action.
Modeling & Targeting
Combining rich data sets with the power of statistical modeling, we build customized predictive models that allow you to identify and target the individuals that your campaign needs to persuade to reach its goals.
Storytelling & Messaging
Telling a story that is relevant to your future plans requires going beyond the data. Our experience has taught us to see beyond the data, and our instinct leads us to think about the unexpected and the uncertain to uncover the interplay between hard data and the multifarious factors at play in contemporary culture and politics. Using in-depth qualitative research methods, we work collaboratively with you to shape a narrative, grounded in your organization’s values, that is relevant and powerful for communicating with your audience.
Who We Are
Saul Shemesh
Saul Shemesh has two decades of experience in applying quantitative research and data to complex advocacy and electoral contexts -- including pioneering new methodologies to meet unique challenges. Saul has led targeting, analytics and organizing efforts on dozens of electoral campaigns, including Hillary Clinton’s Democratic presidential primary campaign in 2008. While working on the New York City mayoral election in 2013, Saul helped develop new research methodologies to better measure sentiment among diverse population groups. Leveraging his expertise, Saul co-founded Elucd, a Y-Combinator backed technology start-up in 2016. Elucd’s digital survey technology is now used by major cities across the U.S. to help leaders hear from their residents, allowing them to better understand their priorities and concerns. In recent years, Saul has led strategic research and data analytics efforts on behalf of national advocacy groups, public sector entities, and international political parties.
Rehan Ansari
Rehan Ansari is a journalist with 20 years of experience, a civil liberties expert, and the founder of a theatre company. He has worked on documentary and feature films with a social justice focus. Rehan has worked as Editor of the Independent Press Association-New York, as Foreign Editor of Daily News & Analysis in Mumbai, and as a columnist for Mid-day Mumbai under Editor Aakar Patel. In recent years, he as worked with foundations and non-profits to develop and implement systems for creating metrics to measure the impact of programs that promote social justice. His clients have included The Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, Caring Across Generations and National People’s Action. He is currently working with iProbono on programming for a social justice lab, which includes workshops on innovative storytelling. His plays and performances include Unburdened, A Prayer for Disbelievers and Damme, This is the Oriental Scene for You! His recent writings include Relentless Protest, Protestors and Poetry for Hugh Lane Gallery’s (Dublin) publication World Without End: Stories Around Borders.
Get in Touch
To learn more about how we can help you connect the dots, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.